MVL: "It seems like Gukesh has to prove a point with every game he plays..."

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

France's No. 2

“You never know with matches, how it turns out. At the last World Championship, Gukesh was coming in really strong, while Ding Liren looked like he couldn’t play chess. Suddenly, you know, Gukesh was under pressure.

It was the same with the previous match, when Ding played against Ian Nepomniachtchi. It looked as if Nepo was winning it. So, the form doesn’t really matter when it comes to the World Championship Match.

Yes, Gukesh has been struggling a little bit with his results, but I think he has also been experimenting and, you know, got maybe too much out of his comfort zone.

But in general, when he is playing really well, he is a formidable opponent. I remember having some really good clashes with him. And he had some exceptional performances at the Olympiads.

One thing that I noticed about Gukesh is that, especially ever since he became World champion, it seems like he has to prove a point with every game he plays.

And sometimes that, you know, you cannot have as much energy as that to be there for every game, fighting it out. And, you know, he always takes a lot of risks. And when he is in very good shape, he has a lot of energy, it works out well for him, I think.

But if you get even a slight drop in energy, the consequences can be brutal because his chess requires so much energy and so much confidence as well.

From my point of view, a defining turning point could be the next Olympiad. If Gukesh capitalizes on the confidence gained from his performances in his previous two Olympiads, and does a great performance again in this Olympiad, he can go into the World Championship in a much better mood.

I think it would be very helpful for him if he gets a little bit of confidence back. He needs some sort of break to be certain that he can play his best chess again.

If he plays like he can, there is simply no favourite in my mind. You have two very strong young players who will be fighting it out.”